Make a splash or hear a cronch up close with Exclusive Encounters! Step behind the scenes with three unforgettable animal encounters, and meet some of our most beloved residents! 💦 Sea Lion: Meet one of our sea lions up close, enjoy a private training session, snap a photo, and take home an exclusive 8x10 painting. 🌲 North American Porcupine: You’ve heard the munches and crunches of Timber and Juniper. Now, meet our charming quilled duo in person! NEW! 🌟 African Crested Porcupine: Experience

Volume up for squeaks 🔊💕 Did you know you can meet our otter family and other animals behind-the-scenes? Close Encounters lets you feed, touch, and experience some of the most amazing animals like never before! Head to our website or Stories and book your Close Encounter today! #memphiszoo #otter #otters #behindthescenes #love #animals #adorable | Memphis Zoo

Memphis Zoo held a farewell party on Saturday, for a giant panda named Ya Ya who was due to be returned to China at the end of the month after spending 20 years at the Tennessee zoo. | CBS Sunday Morning

Memphis Zoo temporarily closed its bonobo habitat after one of the animals smashed a layer of safety glass at the exhibit, according to the zoo. The bonobo was not injured, and no guests were hurt. The zoo said that the bonobos may have been triggered by “disruptive behavior” and emphasized the importance of respectful conduct around the exhibits. Josiah Long, who captured the video, said he and his friends were beating their chests “a little bit, not really expecting anything” to happen before